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First Sth African Adventure
Well Ive just returned from my East Cape South African adventure, it was a great time and a real eye opener, as it was my first time in Africa. I hunted several properties with PH Paul Webber from Grahamstown. I was successful in taking my goal animal, a Bushbuck going 13" and a great Nyala, 26". Also taken were Steenbuck, Duiker, and Springbuck.
It was an awesome 2 weeks, even with my back in real bad shape, thank god for the drugs I took with me.
The rifle is a Browning ABolt in .300WSM. I used Winchester Supreme Accubonds. The WSM is way to much gun for everything I shot. I did appreciate the long range ability of the set up though, as most shots were at range. the Bushbuck @ 285, Springbuck @ 300+, closest animal was the Steenbuck @ 50, and it was messy, lucky Im the Taxidermist. The Nyala was @ 160, all one shot drop on the spot kills. I took that caliber as I love the gun, and Kudu or Gemsbok were available, although I chose to target the animals I did. The gun is topped with a Meopta 3-10 Meostar, the first time Ive left these shores without a Zeiss on my rifle, but it performed beautifully. I also had my 10x45 RF Zeiss Binos, very very handy, especially in the hills where range across the gap is deceiving. I hunted several different types of terrain, most of which are different to our bush, so the RF was very handy.
For those that are planning a trip to Africa, its was fairly painless taking a gun to Sth Africa, just make sure you have the paperwork sorted, a letter of Invite from your PH/Outfitter, and some copies of your Australian Import papers(B709a) and copies of your Passport etc, as the day we went in the copier wasnt functioning to well. I also took a spare copy of the Sth African Permit app (SAPS520) in case I stuffed up the one I had already filled out. Having everything filled out correctly certainly got me through the Police facility quicker. But it pays to stay cool in there no matter how long it is taking, once your in Africa you will soon realize that things take time, and Nobody works at speed.
Another thing I took was a Primos Trigger Stick, its a 3 legged shooting stick, check them out on Ebay, I got mine from the States for about $120 delivered, it fit nicely into my gun box, and was awesome to shoot off. Sure beats a couple of taped together sticks Ive seen some use. And when you have a "Gunbearer" so to speak following you and your PH around, you dont even have to carry it.
As this was my first trip to Africa, I did take way too much gear. Your PH will have half the stuff you need, talk to him at length before you go so you dont take un-necessary stuff, as most of the Airlines are strict on weight. Also, only take 2 pairs of everything, you get washing done daily, so no need to take more, again, confirm this with your PH/Outfitter.
If anyone has any ? shoot me a PM.
Cheers
Cam .
Down Under
Australia
